“Not entirely convinced?” she asked, gently pressing her hand against his.
He let out a long breath. “It feels too fragile. Like a thread pulled tight over fire.” He looked down at her. “But you’ve managed to keep me from snapping it—twice.”
River gave a small, warm smile. “Then we’ll keep working on that thread… together.”
Silence followed, thick but warm—until she felt something stir against her lower back. Her body tensed instinctively when she felt his arousal.
Heiko chuckled, low and husky. “Relax, little mate,” he said with a teasing grin. “You need to heal. And we’re both starving.”
She turned bright red, unable to hide the blush that colored her face. His laughter rumbled again, amused and affectionate, and she couldn’t help but swat his arm lightly.
“Let me have my dignity a
